Exploring the High Country

4 cars are off to explore the hydro dams and a scenic lookout are in the lower parts of the Central Plateau behind Mole Creek. 3 have a UHF and the other doesn’t, what could go wrong.

Lake Parangana

First off the ranks is Lake Pyengana, more specifically a small campground on the edge of the lake.

Lake Parangana

We head up past the dam wall and follow the edge of the lake. We miss the camp ground entrance by 300m and when we turn around, Phil and Sandra, Peter and Veronica drive past the entrance again and it is easy to guess they have the car with no UHF. No phone service and no way to stop them. After trying to find them for a while, we decide to head on.

Lake Rowallan

Lake Rowallan is the next Lake up the Mersey River, we have a quick stop for a photo and then head back down towards our next destination.

Lake Rowallan

Devils Gullet

Devils Gullet is 14km up the Fisher River Valley. Lake McKenzie is further up the road. John and Jenny went for a look while Garry, Athol and myself walked the 530m to the lookout. Janeke, Maureen and Dianne sat in the car as they thought it was too cold and windy as well as too steep. The track up to the viewing platform was well made and except for a short steeper section was suitable for nearly everyone if you take your time.

Athol and garry on the viewing platform

The views into the distance were truly breathe taking. They were worth every step and at an altitude over 1150m, even the cold air and breeze was worth it.

220m to the bottom of the valley

The sheer cliff below the viewing platform made for an awe inspiring drop of 220m into the valley floor. The gale force wind up the cliff face was unbelievable. It sounded like heavy surf at the beach, I would guess that a lot of hats have been lost here over the years. Anyone driving through the area should put this on their list to must see.

Devils Gullet Panorama

Devils Gullet

Devils Gullet, the track back down

A trip to Lake McKenzie will have to wait for another day, except for John and Jenny.

Back at camp, all the tall stories came out, who got lost, who went for a walk to see the views, who was meant to monitor the UHF and then sat in another car with the radio off.

Catching up back in camp

The Great “Sticky Date Pudding” Fiasco

Part of the free camp tradition is to patronise the pub for a counter meal. A good meal was spoilt by the manager getting agro when 5 desserts were forgotten, Phil was told it was his fault that the order for his pudding was missing along with several others. He has now sworn off “Sticky Date Puddings” forever. We will not let him live it down for a while. Wikicamps has been updated to let others to form their own opinion.